Rough sleepers ask council to rethink arch access

Tents are often to be found in the 10 arches on the route between Cheapside and Forster Square station in Bradford

Plans to restrict access to the arches under a Bradford bridge will worsen a "bad enough situation", rough sleepers who use the spaces have said.

The empty arches in the walkway between Cheapside and Forster Square station have become well-established camps for some of the city's homeless people.

Those who use the spaces have asked Bradford Council to reconsider the move, which the authority hopes will create a "much improved public realm".

The council said its Homeless Outreach Partnership visited the arches daily to "ensure that those sleeping rough across the district get the help, compassion and support they need".

Richard, who uses a wheelchair, says the arches offer him and his partner some security and shelter

The work will be part of a wider regeneration of Forster Square, which involves a new platform being built later this year.

Richard, who has been on the streets "on and off" since he was 15, told the BBC he had only been told about the plans by passers by.

The 45-year-old has slept under the arches with his partner for about six weeks during this particular stay, he said.

The amputee, who uses a wheelchair, described the arches as "very important" for rough sleepers, despite "grief" from some younger people walking by.

"It’s shelter from bad weather and even though it's down here, there's cameras so it's safety for us as well," he said.

When asked for his message to the council, he replied: “We're in a bad enough situation as it is and you're going to make it worse if you gate it off.”

Leena says she was forced onto the streets alongside her brother after losing their jobs, with the pair sheltering in the arches for six months

Leena, 33, originally from Latvia, moved to Bradford for a factory job three years ago.

After losing her job alongside her brother Einar, she said the pair ended up on the streets.

“Somebody passing by told me that they are putting some colours in or something and closing [the arches] down, nobody spoke with us," she said.

“It’s like we are going to be made homeless again, they should be human beings and talk with us - we are the same as other people."

She added: “If they are going to close it down, where are we going to go?"

At the site, the BBC spoke to one woman walking by who didn't believe the changes were needed.

She added: "They're homeless - they don't live in these arches for fun, it's a last resort."

Steven and Teresa spoke to the BBC in Bradford

Steven and Teresa Garner called the plan "absolutely stupid".

"Why can't they just box it off and give them a padlock so they are gated off at the front but they've got a key?" Mr Garner asked.

Mrs Garner agreed: "They should just let the homeless use it".

Grace and Mutiat could see both sides of the proposals

Grace Elatuyi and Mutiat Adegbesan did agree to elements of the plan.

"I think it will be better, because of the mess," said Ms Elatuyi.

"People do get a little bit scared of passing this place, especially in the morning when you are going to work."

Ms Adegbesan said "they should close it and make this environment more beautiful", but finding homes for those displaced should be a priority.

The arches are a familiar site for rail passengers arriving and departing Bradford Forster Square

Details of the plan were recently uploaded to a government website, which is used to invite businesses to apply for contracts to carry out projects such as public realm work.

It said the contract is expected to begin in late May and end in late August.

Phil Marshall, from the city's Hope Housing charity, called it a "misguided, short-term solution".

"There is a problem of homelessness in every city, in every area of the country and we can't just brush it under the carpet," he said.

“We've got to sort it out and just blocking off an area doesn't sort it out."

He concluded: “Look at each individual and see what their reasons are for them becoming homeless, then try to support them."

Bradford Council said rough sleeping and homelessness were complex and often overlapping issues.

"Our Housing First programme offers those with histories of repeat homelessness and very complex needs intensive and tailored wraparound support.

"This approach emphasises individual control and choice, supporting them into suitable accommodation and away from a street-based life," a spokesperson said.

The council has also commissioned a service called No Second Night Out which helps people who are sleeping rough or at risk of sleeping rough.

"This is open 365 days a year and offers a range of services to rough sleepers including outreach work, assessments and advice as well as co-ordinating the delivery of the Cold Weather provision for rough sleepers.

"It also provides short-term emergency accommodation when people have nowhere else to stay," the spokesperson added.

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